Getting started with Arduino

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This hands-on workshop was held at DINA on 30th June 2016. Joanne Armitage showed us how to use software and hardware to build a theramin-like noise instrument.

The Arduino is a tool known as a microcontoller; a device that you can use either by itself or in conjunction with a computer to sense and control physical inputs and outputs. The focus of the Arduino is interactivity; to support the hardware of the Arduino there is free and open source software that allows you to easily program the microcontroller.

A theramin is an electronic instrument which is controlled without physical contact – the proximity of the performer’s hands to the instrument control the sound that is produced.

During the session we connected the Arduino to an ultrasonic sensor (which works like a radar) and a speaker. Joanne showed us how to use a breadboard which to prototype ideas quickly and cleanly without the need for soldering and wire cutters. We then wrote sections of code to instruct the hardware to behave like a theramin.

Thanks to Yorkshire Sound Women Network, and to Sheffield Hallam University and Catalyst: Festival of creativity for sponsoring this workshop.

Catalyst Festival of Creativity presents “Getting started with Arduino: Building a noise-maker” with Joanne Armitage

Learn how to use Arduino software and hardware to build a theramin-like noise instrument.

This hands-on workshop will be held in Sheffield and led by Joanne Armitage.

Age: 16+

Level: Beginner

Date/time: 30th June 2016, 6.30pm, Central Sheffield

Registration: Please register here

Workshop details

The Arduino is a tool known as a microcontoller; a device that you can use either by itself or in conjunction with a computer to sense and control physical inputs and outputs. The focus of the Arduino is interactivity; to support the hardware of the Arduino there is free and open source software that allows you to easily program the microcontroller.

A theramin is an electronic instrument which is controlled without physical contact – the proximity of the performer’s hands to the instrument control the sound that is produced. In this workshop Joanne will introduce the basics of both the hardware and software of Arduino and guide you through a complete project to create a theramin-like noise-maker.

During the session you will connect the Arduino to an ultrasonic sensor (which works like a radar) and a speaker. You will make use of a breadboard which provides a way of prototyping ideas quickly and cleanly without the need for soldering and wire cutters. You will then write sections of code that instruct the hardware to behave like a theramin.

Outcomes

By the end of the session you will have created a working interactive noise instrument and have grasped the basics of the Arduino software and hardware.

This event is organised by Lucy Cheesman and Amy Beeston. For any additional information on this workshop or any other of our Catalyst: Festival of Creativity events, please contact us on sonawomen@gmail.com.